FALLS AND MEDICATION ERRORS are two big problems many seniors living alone can face, and when those unwelcome incidents happen, they can be huge setbacks to independent living. Fortunately, a group of volunteers makes sure seniors have help at the push of a button.

Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System’s volunteer Service League, which includes many retired professionals, operates the only 24-hour personal emergency response service in Monterey County. It’s called Lifeline.

There are a number of services, each of which offers varying degrees of technology to help seniors stay safe. The standard Lifeline service empowers clients with a waterproof necklace or wrist medical alert button, and with a push of the button, help arrives within seconds.

For many, especially seniors, Lifeline not only supports independence, it increases confidence and gives families peace of mind. Lifeline also offers a medical alert button with built-in fall detection. If anyone wearing the device falls and is not able to push the button, the device detects the fall and automatically sends a signal to Lifeline to get help immediately.

The Service League also has Philips Lifeline’s newest innovation — a wearable pendant with built-in GPS and automatic fall detection. It is the most technically advanced Lifeline Service to date and gives active seniors the freedom to get help at the touch of a button even away from home.

The SVMHS Service League launched the Lifeline Program in 1989 and currently serves hundreds of clients. Financial assistance is also available for those individuals who cannot afford the standard monthly fee. In addition to the popular Lifeline pendant, the Service League offers the Philips medication dispenser to assist with managing daily medications. Medications are pre-loaded and dispensed at the times set by a caregiver. It helps eliminate concerns about taking the wrong medication at the wrong time or the wrong dosage.

Rosemary Tarp’s dedication as one of the Lifeline Liaisons in the Volunteer Services Office has personal roots. In the mid-’90s, her then-75-year-old mother took a fall and was on the ground for 24 hours.

“Right after that, I learned about Lifeline and signed her up,” she remembers.

Today, Tarp, Patricia Heyne and Monica Takashima work with a team of eight volunteers.

“We simply could not offer this service without our volunteers,” Tarp said. “They take the time to install the equipment, thoroughly explain the Lifeline service to every client and answer any questions. They are kind, caring and patient, true gentlemen.”

Terry Espinoza is one of those caring volunteers. After 36 years at Alisal High School as a teacher and coach, he decided to retire in 2006 and start a new career as a volunteer Lifeline installer. Once the system is up and running, Espinoza makes sure the person understands how to use it.

“I tell them I was a teacher before giving them a quiz,” he jokes. “I like new things, experiences and learning. And I love Lifeline.”

Hundreds of satisfied subscribers do too. One loyal subscriber says, “I can’t imagine why anyone who lives alone or has any medical condition wouldn’t have Lifeline!”

For more information, contact the Service League Lifeline Program at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, 450 East Romie Lane, Salinas — 831-755-0788. More information is also available online at svmh.com/lifelineservice.